Field Technologist for the Crop-Tree and Gap-Dynamics in Mixed-Oak Forests in Pennsylvania Project

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (PA, TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated technologist to support groundbreaking research in forest ecosystem management. This role involves field data collection and the development of machine learning algorithms to identify tree species from aerial imagery. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in remote sensing, GIS, and machine learning applied to forestry. The position requires travel to various study sites across Pennsylvania, where you'll work in diverse environments. Join a team committed to advancing sustainability and diversity in the field of ecosystem science.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in forest ecosystem management required.
• Experience with remote sensing and machine learning preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with field data collection and analysis for research projects.
• Develop machine learning algorithms to identify tree species.

Skills

Plant Species Identification

Remote Sensing

Machine Learning

GIS

Spatial Analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Forest Ecosystem Management

Tools

Orfeo Toolbox

eCognition

ArcGIS Pro

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Department of Ecosystem Science and Management at Penn State University is seeking one technologist to assist with field data collection and analysis for a joint research project with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The technologist will play a critical role in the early development of a machine learning algorithm that will identify tree species in mixed oak-hardwood forests from aerial imagery. After training the classifier, the technologist will evaluate its accuracy and generalizability.The ultimate goal is to determine how best to use image classification for forest inventory and silvicultural treatment-monitoring.

Job details:

Travels to study sites across central and northwestern Pennsylvania in their personal vehicle. Uses GPS to locate trees selected for sampling. Records location data and species ID of roughly 500 trees. Uses these data to label image-objects following image segmentation. Produces code to measure several spectral and textural features of the segmented tree crowns. Performs feature selection using the classification and regression trees technique. Trains multiple random forest classifiers on various sets of imagery and compares their accuracies.

Job requirements:

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or higher in forest ecosystem management. Applicants will have completed coursework in silviculture, remote sensing, GIS, and spatial analysis. The technician is expected to work with minimal supervision in remote, rugged environments and adverse weather conditions. Preferred candidates will be versed in recent literature on remote sensing and machine learning applied to forestry. Prior experience with image analysis software (e.g. Orfeo Toolbox, eCognition, ArcGIS Pro) is ideal. Strong plant species identification skills are required.

This job requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid US driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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